Paço Episcopal do Porto
Palace of the bishops of Porto next to the Sé, with a museum space in the noble rooms, portraits of bishops, silverware and a view over the Douro.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The bishops of Porto have had a residence next to the cathedral since at least the 12th century. The palace visited today is essentially due to Bishop D. Frei João Rafael de Mendonça (1771–1793), whose work gave Porto its first real palace. Construction was interrupted in the first half of the 19th century by the French occupation of 1809, the Liberal Revolution and the siege of Porto (1832–1833), which badly damaged the building; reconstruction began in 1868.
After the establishment of the Republic and the nationalisation, the palace served as the Town Hall (Paços do Concelho) from 1916 to 1957. It then returned to its original function: it houses the bishops' official residence, administrative services and, since 2016, a museum space.
The visit covers the most noble areas, beginning with the monumental neoclassical staircase with mural painting and carved granite garlands. This is followed by rooms with portraits of bishops of Porto by artists such as Henrique Medina and Júlio Resende, a tribute to the 3rd Viscounts of São João da Pesqueira, with a re-creation of their dining room and the Manueline Silverware (Baixela Manuelina) in silver designed by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, and one of the most beautiful views over the River Douro.
Highlights
- Neoclassical staircase with mural painting and carved granite
- Gallery of portraits of the bishops of Porto
- Dining room of the Viscounts of São João da Pesqueira, with the Manueline Silverware
- View over the Douro
- Palace beside the Sé of Porto
Permanent exhibition
- Espaço museológico do Paço Episcopal – A route through the neoclassical staircase and the noble rooms, with portraits of the bishops of Porto, the dining room of the Viscounts of São João da Pesqueira with the Manueline Silverware, and the view over the Douro.
- Founded
- 2016
- Operated by
- Diocese do Porto
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
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Amenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Good to know | The visit to the museum space covers the most noble areas of the palace. Information requests for visits: visitaspacoepiscopal@diocese-porto.pt. |
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